Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Woodcutter 19th century

This 19th-century *suzuribako* (writing box) by famed Japanese artist Ogata Kōrin (1658–1716) exemplifies the Rinpa style. The box, crafted from black lacquer, features a woodcutter depicted in gold and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The figure, set against a gold ground, is positioned within a rectangular panel, creating a sense of depth and dimension. The use of contrasting colors and materials, combined with intricate detail, makes this a classic example of Kōrin's artistry. The box is currently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.